23-156

WHEREAS the setting of an annual budget is one of the most important tasks council undertakes in a year

WHEREAS the provincial government website states the following regarding the benefits of public engagement in this process:
“By offering opportunities for the public to weigh in on issues and decisions your municipality can:

encourage dialogue, help residents better understand the complexities of local issues, inform municipal decisions and help build public support
generate solutions that address public concerns through effective problem and conflict management
create a sense of community pride with engagement activities that help to align the goals of the municipality, public and local organizations
improve public trust by recognizing the value of insight and expertise from individual community members”

WHEREAS having a fully transparent process to municipal budgeting is necessary to encourage public engagement

WHEREAS City of Timmins Council believes both transparency and engagement with residents during the budget process are important

BE IT RESOLVED THAT City Council hereby does support the following steps to further enhance transparency and engagement with the public during the municipal budget process:

1. Public presentations of departmental budgets that include detailed capital spend within the department, any material increases or decreases to operational budgets and what is driving those changes
2. Enhanced opportunities for the public to participate in the budget process including a. Public Deputations to council, and b. Public engagement surveys on budgetary needs

Core Services